Criminal coercion

Criminal blackmail
Dependence on extortion
Criminal extortion

Nature

Criminal coercion is intending to compel another person to action or inaction by threatening to commit a crime, accusing someone of a crime, exposing a secret whether true or false in order to subject another to hatred, contempt, or ridicule or in order to impair their credit or business. Public servant who take or withhold official action for the same purposes are also guilty of blackmail. Modern criminal codes have tended to expand the crime of extortion to include what is generally regarded as blackmail, however the crime is named.

Background

Historically, blackmail is tribute in corn, cattle, other kind or money levied from the farmers and small owners in the border counties of England and Scotland, and along the Highland border, by freebooting chiefs in return for immunity from pillage. The term is now applied to the extortion of money, or other valuable consideration, by intimidation, by the unscrupulous use of official or social position, or of political influence or vote, by persons upon those whom they have it in their power to help or injure. Originally, the Camorra of the mezzogiorno, the Ndranghata of Calabria, the Mafia of Sicily and similar organizations in the USA and China were blackmail bodies.

Incidence

Criminal coercion is a pervasive issue affecting societies worldwide, manifesting in various forms such as extortion, blackmail, and threats of violence to force individuals or organizations into unwanted actions. Its incidence spans both developed and developing countries, impacting political, economic, and social spheres. The rise of digital communication has facilitated new avenues for coercion, with cyber extortion and online threats becoming increasingly common, complicating law enforcement efforts and victim protection.
In 2023, German authorities reported a surge in cases of criminal coercion targeting public officials, with over 1,000 incidents involving threats and intimidation, particularly related to political decision-making and public health measures.

Claim

Criminal coercion is a deeply troubling and pervasive problem that undermines the very foundation of personal freedom and safety. It strips individuals of their autonomy through threats and intimidation, leaving lasting psychological scars. Society cannot tolerate such manipulation, as it breeds fear and erodes trust within communities. Addressing criminal coercion must be a top priority for lawmakers and law enforcement to ensure justice, protect victims, and uphold the basic rights of every individual.

Counter-claim

Criminal coercion is vastly overstated as a societal concern. Compared to violent crimes or large-scale fraud, its actual impact is minimal and rarely disrupts daily life. Law enforcement resources are better spent addressing more pressing issues. The focus on criminal coercion distracts from real threats and inflates minor incidents into major problems. In reality, it simply does not warrant the attention or alarm it currently receives.